This two-year post-baccalaureate certificate program provides an opportunity for students who do not have a background in science but are interested in pursuing a health profession to complete the prerequisite coursework for admission to medical school or health professions schools. With support from the U.S. Department of Education, this program seeks to increase the diversity in the health professions. Applicants who are traditionally underrepresented in the health professions, are academically disadvantaged and/or economically disadvantaged are encouraged to apply.

Students may begin the certificate program only during the Fall term of an academic year. Completed applications must be received by the Department no later than April 16, 2018 (this is not a postmark date).

Application Cycle

The Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program for Pre-Health Professionals accepts applications beginning January 15th through April 16 each year for the following fall term. We are not on rolling-admission and only begin reviewing applications after the April 16 deadline.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are finalized in mid-May and formally made by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Email is the university's official method of communication. All applicants will be contacted with final admission decision via email by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Program Benefits

$2000 stipend per year ($4000 total) for students who qualify

Completion of prerequisite coursework for admission to medical school or health professions schools

Chemistry Summer Academy

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Preparatory Course

Participation in seminars and workshops, and annual healthcare symposium

Access to one-on-one health professions advisement

Chemistry Summer Academy

All students admitted to the program will be required to participate in a Chemistry Summer Academy during the summer prior to beginning the post-baccalaureate certificate program. This summer academy will take place in the summer term. Admitted students admitted to the program will receive detailed information regarding the Chemistry Summer Academy.

MCAT Preparatory Course

All students will have the opportunity to participate in an MCAT prep course. The MCAT prep course will prepare students for the four MCAT sections: biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; chemical and physical foundations of biological systems; psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior; and critical analysis and reasoning skills. Additionally, instruction on test-taking strategies will be incorporated into the MCAT prep course.

Workshops and Seminars

Workshops held throughout the year, beginning in the summer and continuing throughout the student's tenure, will supplement the learning experience. Some examples of workshops include; Mock Multiple Mini Interviews, Paying for Medical School, Applying to Medical School. Seminar topics include: Pediatric Cardiology, The Physician Assistant Profession, Osteopathic Medicine, and Life as Medical Student. We also bring Admissions Officers from various Medical Schools to speak to our students.

Requirements for the Certificate

A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required in all course work.

Completion of a minimum of 38 semester units from the following list of courses.

COURSE

Units

Quarter/Semester

General Biology with lab

15

Quarter/year 1

General Chemistry with lab

15

Quarter/year 1

Organic Chemistry with lab

9

Quarter/year 2

General Physics with lab

8

Quarter/year 2

Program Cost

Students pay Graduate/PB level fees; please refer to the Cashiers Office web site for the most current fee information.

Be aware that this program does not meet the criteria to be eligible for federal or state student aid. As a result, Some students turn to private (non-federal) education loans to help cover their education costs. Before making a decision about a private loan, view the information from Finaid.Org so that you have as much information as possible before you begin the process.

Application Fees

There is a $55 nonrefundable and nontransferable CSU Mentor application fee.

Application Checklist:

Official Transcripts from all colleges attended—one set to be sent to Admissions and Recruitment (step 2) and one set to be sent to Post-baccalaureate Program (step 4). Official transcripts must be sealed.

Personal Statement

Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR). The LORs must be sealed and the back of the envelope must be signed by the letter writer.

How to Apply

Step 1
Complete and submit a Graduate Application for Admission through CSU Mentor

Contact Information

To check the status of your application, contact the Department office. Please allow two weeks from the date you sent your application to check the status. If you are unable to reach us please leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number and we will return your call within one week of receiving your voicemail.